By Peter Martey Agbeko, APR
A solemn Requiem Mass in memory of the late Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, on Friday, April 25, 2025, drawing a large and devout congregation of the Catholic faithful.
Pope Francis, who passed away in Rome on April 5, 2025, at the age of 88, was remembered worldwide for his profound humility, his deep concern for the marginalised, and his enduring efforts to reform the Catholic Church.
The Mass, which began promptly at 6:30 p.m., was highly patronised, with the Cathedral filled to capacity and many worshippers overflowing onto the surrounding grounds. Among those present were the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré; Catholic Archbishops and Bishops; members of the Clergy; Religious Sisters and Brothers; members of the Diplomatic Corps; government officials; and hundreds of lay faithful from across the Archdiocese and beyond.
The Apostolic Nuncio presided over the Mass with solemn dignity, guiding the congregation through a liturgy of prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Pope Francis. A welcome address was delivered by Bishop Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, who warmly acknowledged the presence of all dignitaries.
The readings of the day underscored the courage and missionary zeal that Pope Francis embodied: the First Reading was taken from Acts of the Apostles (4:13-21), and the Gospel was read from Mark (16:9-15).
In his Homily, Archbishop Kaboré described Pope Francis in glowing terms as a true shepherd for the world. He lauded the late Pontiff’s legendary humility, his passionate advocacy for the poor, his relentless call for mercy and inclusion, and his courageous pursuit of a more compassionate Church. “He was a Pope who lived the Gospel fully and loved the vulnerable deeply,” Archbishop Kaboré said.
Prior to the tributes, a moving biography of Pope Francis was read by the Dean of the Cathedral, chronicling his journey from Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to becoming the first Pope from the Global South and the first Jesuit Pope in history.
Following the Homily, two major tributes were delivered:
• Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Sunyani, spoke on behalf of the Catholic faithful in Ghana.
• Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, led the government delegation and read a tribute on behalf of the Government of Ghana. He was joined by representatives from the Presidency and Parliament.
The mood was both mournful and reverent, as hymns rose into the Accra night and candles flickered in prayerful remembrance. It was a moment of collective gratitude for a life lived entirely in the service of God and humanity.
The Requiem Mass formed part of global commemorative activities honouring Pope Francis, a Pontiff whose influence and moral leadership left an indelible mark on the Church and the world at large.
